Satanism

Satanism
Name	Satanism
Caption	The Sigil of Baphomet, a symbol used by several Satanic organizations.
Type	New religious movement
Main classification	Left-hand path
Theology	Various; atheistic, theistic, or symbolic
Founder	Modern variants founded by Anton LaVey, Michael A. Aquino, and others.
Founded date	Organized forms emerged in the mid-20th century.
Founded place	United States
Number of followers	Estimates vary; tens of thousands globally.

Satanism encompasses a range of ideological and philosophical beliefs that employ the figure of Satan as a central symbolic representation. Modern organized Satanism primarily emerged in the United States during the 1960s, most notably with the founding of the Church of Satan by Anton LaVey. While often stereotypically associated with maltheism or devil worship, the majority of contemporary Satanists are atheists who view Satan as a symbol of rebellion, individualism, and carnal nature, rather than a supernatural entity. The various movements are broadly categorized into the atheistic, LaVeyan or rationalist tradition, and the theistic or traditional Satanism that venerates Satan as a deity or spiritual force.

Definition and beliefs

Satanism is not a monolithic belief system but a collection of diverse philosophies united by their symbolic use of Satan. Atheistic Satanism, as codified by Anton LaVey in *The Satanic Bible*, rejects the existence of supernatural beings and treats Satan as a symbol of human nature, skepticism, and enlightened self-interest. Core tenets often include individualism, self-preservation, and a materialist worldview. In contrast, theistic Satanism, practiced by groups like the Temple of Set (founded by Michael A. Aquino) and others, involves the veneration of Satan as an actual deity or pre-Christian archetype, engaging in ritual magic and spiritual development. Some esoteric traditions, such as the Order of Nine Angles, blend Satanic symbolism with Nazism and extremism, though these are marginal. Common philosophical threads include the celebration of the self, opposition to Abrahamic moral structures, and an emphasis on personal autonomy.

History

While the concept of devil worship was a construct of the Early Modern witch-hunts and the European Inquisition, modern Satanism as a self-aware identity began in the 20th century. The 1966 founding of the Church of Satan in San Francisco by Anton LaVey marked a pivotal moment, with LaVey's 1969 publication of *The Satanic Bible* providing a foundational doctrine. Internal disputes led to schisms, most notably when Michael A. Aquino left to establish the Temple of Set in 1975, emphasizing a more theistic and esoteric approach. The 1990s and 2000s saw the rise of activist and political Satanism, exemplified by the founding of The Satanic Temple in 2013, which uses Satanic imagery to advocate for secularism, religious freedom, and social justice, often engaging in legal battles over issues like First Amendment rights and reproductive rights.

Types and organizations

Major Satanic organizations represent distinct branches of thought. The Church of Satan, based on LaVeyan Satanism, remains the most publicly recognized atheistic and ritualistic group. The Temple of Set is a prominent theistic organization that focuses on individual development through its philosophy of Xeper. The Satanic Temple is a non-theistic, activist organization known for its political campaigns and symbolic protests, such as installing a statue of Baphomet at state capitols. Other groups include the First Satanic Church, led by Karla LaVey, and various decentralized or solitary practice traditions. Esoteric and extremist factions like the Order of Nine Angles and the now-defunct Misanthropic Luciferian Order exist on the fringe, often promoting violence and are rejected by mainstream Satanic organizations.

Practices and rituals

Satanic practices vary widely between traditions. LaVeyan Satanism employs ritual as psychodrama, using ceremonies like the Satanic baptism, Satanic wedding, and Satanic funeral to mark life events and focus emotional intent, often within a ritual space containing an altar and symbols like the Sigil of Baphomet. Theistic Satanists may practice invocation, evocation, and forms of ceremonial magic aimed at spiritual communication or transformation. The Satanic Temple engages in public, often political, rituals as acts of protest or solidarity, such as Pink Mass ceremonies. Common elements across some groups include the celebration of the Satanic holidays (e.g., one's own birthday), the use of inverse pentagrams, and a focus on carnal and aesthetic appreciation.

Satanism in popular culture

Satanic imagery and themes have been a persistent element in Western culture, often sensationalized. The 1968 film *Rosemary's Baby* and the 1973 book *The Exorcist* fueled public fascination with Satanic conspiracy theories. In music, genres like black metal and artists such as Marilyn Manson and the band Slayer have incorporated Satanic aesthetics and lyrics, though not always from a religious perspective. Television series like *Chilling Adventures of Sabrina* and documentaries on groups like The Satanic Temple have brought modern Satanism to broader audiences. This portrayal often blurs the line between artistic expression and genuine religious practice, contributing to both its notoriety and misunderstanding.

Criticism and controversy

Satanism has faced intense criticism and controversy from multiple sectors. Major Abrahamic faiths, particularly Christianity and Islam, condemn it as blasphemy and evil. Secular critics often associate it, sometimes unfairly, with criminality and immorality. The late-20th century Satanic panic in the United States and United Kingdom involved widespread but unfounded allegations of Satanic ritual abuse, impacting communities and the legal system, as seen in cases like the McMartin preschool trial. Internally, Satanic groups criticize each other; for instance, The Satanic Temple and the Church of Satan dispute over the definition of authentic Satanism. Furthermore, the adoption of Satanic symbolism by extremist groups like the Order of Nine Angles links the label, however inaccurately, to ideologies of violence and terrorism.

Category:New religious movements Category:Satanism Category:Left-hand path traditions